Eye-Opening Past Review
By jake.kohler.3 (Alfred State College - SUNY College of Technology) - abroad from 01/15/2015 to 05/09/2015 with
Sant'Anna Institute: Sorrento - Live, Learn and Immerse in Italy
I learned a lot about myself and gained a new appreciation for my family, friends, etc.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Instead of sitting in a classroom for the entire semester, the teachers and professors think outside the classroom and use Sorrento and the surrounding area to teach their points instead of a chalkboard. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All faculty/staff, as well as the visiting professors, are almost always available and very willing to help you with any and all questions or problems you might have while studying abroad. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The bedrooms themselves were a little crammed with three people per room, but the landlords/cleaning lady were incredibly kind and giving. On top of this, the location was (in my opinion) the best out of any of the other Sant'Anna students' apartments. |
| * Food: |
It's Italy... |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Many people in Sorrento speak very little English, so it's a very good way to practice your Italian speaking skills and feel very immersed in the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I cut my finger once while dicing potatoes and, thinking quickly, I washed the cut and applied a band-aid. Long story short, the doctor said I'm going to be able to keep my finger. |
| * Safety: |
Police officers are always around (more during the day), but never in your face or bothering anyone. I honestly feel safer walking home at night in Sorrento than I do back home in New York. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
If you're smart with your money (not like me), then living on a budget should be very easy. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook for yourself as often as you can. It saves A LOT of money. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Spanish 4 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Even if it might be easier to speak your native language, push yourself and try your hand at a new language |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | How to speak Italian |
